2017 Kia Optima Sedan

Manufacturer Offer

* Disclaimer(s)

Truth in Lending Act Disclosure:
Down payment will vary with APR and credit. For example, 2.9% APR with $2,500 down payment provides for 66 monthly payments of $16.41 per $1000 financed for qualified buyers. 2.9% for a term of 24 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $42.94 per $1000 financed.
2.9% for a term of 36 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $29.04 per $1000 financed.
2.9% for a term of 39 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $26.9 per $1000 financed.
2.9% for a term of 42 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $25.07 per $1000 financed.
2.9% for a term of 48 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $22.09 per $1000 financed.
2.9% for a term of 60 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $17.92 per $1000 financed.
3.9% for a term of 72 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $15.6 per $1000 financed. The rates described are for estimation purposes only; you may not be able to finance at this rate.

Manufacturer Offer

$3,000 cash back on select Kia Optima models

* Disclaimer(s)

Cash back from Kia Motors America, Inc (KMA). Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock from 1/3/2018 - 2/28/2018. Cash back offer when you purchase a new car only and may not be combined with Special Low APR and Special Lease offers. This incentive is for a limited time offer on eligible Kia vehicles. Not all incentive programs are compatible. See dealer for details.

*Termination fee for all states except CO, IN, IA, KS, ME, OK, SC, WI, WV & WY. WI termination fee: The amount of the base monthly lease payment or $400, whichever is less. CO, IA, KS, ME, OK, WV & WY termination fee: The amount of two times the base monthly lease payment or $400, whichever is less. IN & SC termination fee: The amount of three times the base monthly lease payment or $400, whichever is less. Not all incentive programs are compatible. Additional terms and conditions apply. All matters of program eligibility and qualification will be resolved by Kia Motors America, Inc. ("KMA") in its sole discretion, and KMA reserves the right to change product and program specifications at any time without incurring any obligations. Cannot exceed 12000 miles per year.

Reviews

Driving Impression

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Even though Optimas lack a sporty nature, falling slightly short on spirit, their ride/handling balance ranks among the best in the midsize class. Ride comfort reaches well beyond prior Optimas. Pleasantly compliant when encountering minor bumps and holes, the Optima suffers little bounciness when pavement flaws grow harsher.

Especially in SX or SXL trim, Optimas also stand well above the crowd in handling prowess. Body lean in curves or corners is predictable, Optimas feels adeptly composed, and the brake pedal feels confident.

Kia uses two electric power-steering configurations. SX/SXL models have a rack-mounted setup that provides precise feel when slightly off-center. In lesser trim levels, a column-mounted system yields a good sense of steering-wheel centering.

The Drive Mode Select system alters shift points and gas-pedal sensitivity. Eco mode may induce indecisive shifting, especially with the 1.6T engine, though it delivers gentle takeoffs from a stop.

Most popular engine is the smooth, responsive 2.4-liter. Because peak torque comes at higher engine speed, the transmission will downshift more often. The 2.0-liter turbo is more responsive at lower speed, and its transmission shifts smoothly.

The 1.6-liter turbo generally feels stronger than the 2.4-liter, but the hesitant dual-clutch transmission disappoints. Shifts are smooth when passing, but downshifts are delayed on hilly or curvy terrain. Low-speed parking maneuvers also frustrate.

Fuel economy is good, but not great. In LX trim, the 2.4-liter is EPA-rated at 25/36 mpg City/Highway, or 29 mpg Combined. In EX guise, it’s estimated at 24/34/28 mpg.

The 2.0-liter turbo is EPA-rated at 22/31 mpg City/Highway, or 25 mpg Combined. Most frugal is the 1.6-liter, rated at 28/37 mpg City/Highway, or 31 mpg Combined.

For the most miserly driving, the Optima Hybrid is rated at 42 mpg Combined. An Optima Plug-In Hybrid can travel nearly 30 miles on electricity alone.

Walk Around

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Fans of the previous Optima should be pleased to know that Kia designers didn’t tamper much with the basic design. While touching up details, they retained its taut body lines and close-to-coupe roof profile. Though still striking, an Optima doesn’t stand quite as far apart from the midsize pack as it used to. Design has evolved judiciously, leaving the most compelling qualities intact.

Overall proportions of this mature Optima almost suggest a rear-drive sport sedan rather than a front-drive family transporter. The swoopy roofline extends further rearward than some, ensuring adequate rear-seat headroom.

Interior Overview

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Clean-looking and carefully organized, the cabin makes better use of available space than previous Optimas. More horizontally-oriented than in the past, the low dashboard reaches out to each side, rather than leaning toward the driver.

Even base LX models promise a degree of poshness suggestive of near-luxury motoring. Doors, for instance, close with a solid, precise thud. Quietness within the cabin is immediately evident. Slim roof pillars help provide outstanding visibility.

Front-seat comfort is helped by relatively long cushions and helpful side support. Back support ranks above average for affordable sedans.

Summary

Editor:

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Kia continues to offer an appealing choice in a competitive category, promising excellent value. Expect high-level refinement and an enticing interior, regardless of model. Each Optima is well-equipped, but the SXL â€“ though expensive â€“ includes a truly impressive group of safety/driver-assistance features.

Driving impressions by Andrew Ganz, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.